World | WPN World People News

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Russia has conveyed a message through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, claiming that Jenkins is still alive and in custody. The Australian government is currently seeking further confirmation.

Rumors of Jenkins’ capture by Russian forces surfaced before Christmas 2024, when a video emerged showing him being interrogated and beaten by Russian troops. Two weeks ago, Australian media reported that Jenkins had possibly been executed by Russian forces, though this had not been officially confirmed at the time. The Australian government stated that it was in contact with Russia to verify Jenkins’ status and had also requested assistance from the Ukrainian government in the investigation. If the reports were confirmed, Australia would take the “strongest action.”

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Russia to release Jenkins, emphasizing that Australia had made it clear to Russia that under international humanitarian law, it has an obligation to treat all prisoners of war humanely. She warned that if Russia failed to uphold Jenkins' rights under international law, Australia would respond "decisively."

Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko stated that the news of Jenkins’ survival was a positive development for Australia. However, he criticized Russia for refusing to confirm Jenkins' condition for over a month, leaving his family, friends, and the Australian public in distress. He condemned this as a typical act of brutality.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. Survivors have stepped forward to remind the world not to forget history and to warn against the resurgence of anti-Semitism and extremist ideologies. Julia Wallach, now 99 years old, was captured by the Nazis at the age of 18 and was imprisoned in the Drancy internment camp before being sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Reflecting on her two years in the camp, she emphasized, "As long as I am here, I will continue to speak about it, so that we do not forget."

However, awareness of the Holocaust is fading in today's society. Greg Schneider, Executive Vice President of the Claims Conference, pointed out that studies show younger generations in Europe and the United States lack knowledge of Holocaust history. He stressed that this is a warning sign, urging urgent and continuous action to prevent this history and its lessons from being forgotten.

The stories of survivors serve as a reminder that extremism and hatred can spread in societies marked by indifference. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, noted that the Holocaust was a process that began with rhetoric and isolated incidents before escalating into the systematic dehumanization of an entire community, ultimately leading to violence. He warned that even a spark of hatred can spread in a society that remains indifferent.

As the number of survivors dwindles, their testimonies are being preserved through films, writings, books, and recordings. Frankie Wallach, Julia Wallach’s granddaughter, emphasized that when the survivors are gone, these memories will be the traces they leave behind. For future generations, these testimonies are of vital importance.

On this 80th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps, the calls from survivors serve as a crucial reminder to remain vigilant against the rise of anti-Semitism and extremist ideologies, ensuring that the lessons of history are never forgotten.

Wildfires in Los Angeles County and Ventura County, California, have been burning for days but are finally being eased by much-needed rainfall. However, authorities are warning residents to remain vigilant for threats from hazardous debris, toxic ash, and mudslides. The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory from 4 PM on the 27th to 4 PM on the 28th (Pacific Time), covering areas affected by the fires, including "burn scar" regions. The advisory also stated that any thunderstorms could bring "brief but heavy rainfall and gusty winds."

Rainfall is expected to range from 0.75 to 1 inch in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, with mountain areas potentially receiving between 1.5 to 3 inches. Additionally, small hail and waterspouts could occur near coastal waters. The National Weather Service's Los Angeles office warned on social media platform X, stating: "Heavy rain in burn scar areas may cause debris flows or mudslides. Please follow local officials' instructions!"

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the damage from the wildfires could lead to multiple safety and health risks, including contamination from hazardous materials and chemicals. The CDC recommends that residents wear N95 masks when returning to their homes to avoid inhaling harmful particles, as well as goggles to protect eyes from ash, debris, and smoke. Additionally, they should wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and gloves to protect their skin. Residents are also advised not to clear hazardous debris without assistance.

Amb. Nestor Mendez, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States, left, receives the “Key to the Heart” from Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL. The key symbolizes that a visionary leader plays a vital role in shaping the world’s future.

Nancy Sam, vice president of the ECOWAS Confederation Tourism Private Sector, back row, 2nd from left, poses for a group photo with Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze, president of FOWPAL, center, and other peace advocates after ringing the Bell of World Peace and Love.

On the 20th, upon taking office, Trump issued an executive order to officially rename the internationally recognized Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" and instructed the Department of the Interior to take "all necessary actions" within 30 days to push for the official rebranding, sparking controversy.

The Gulf of Mexico is crucial to America's rise as a superpower, particularly in terms of oil and natural gas reserves. It not only strengthens the United States' commercial and political ties with Latin American countries, but also provides a natural barrier, protecting the country from invasions and conflicts. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Gulf of Mexico accounts for 17% of the total U.S. oil production, making it critical for American energy independence. Additionally, the Gulf is an important hub for global maritime trade, with 60% of U.S. grain exports passing through its ports, amounting to 30 million tons annually.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), countries have exclusive rights to exploit resources in their exclusive economic zones. Mexico has jurisdiction over 829,000 square kilometers of the Gulf, while the U.S. controls 662,000 square kilometers. These territorial boundaries have long been clearly defined and are protected by international law. Although Trump's "Gulf of America" renaming initiative carries significant political symbolism, in practical terms, the U.S. would face multiple legal, diplomatic, and economic challenges.

Former Mexican Ambassador to the U.S., Martha Barcena, warned that Trump's move to rename the Gulf might be the first step in the U.S. attempting to reallocate the Gulf's resource domains, which would undoubtedly draw opposition from both Mexico and the international community. Several international law scholars also pointed out that if the "Gulf of America" becomes a reality, it could have profound implications for oil and natural gas extraction in the region, global energy markets, and international trade, potentially even altering the political dynamics of the area.

Thailand authorities have stated that due to severe air pollution, they have been forced to close up to 350 schools, marking the highest number since 2020. Meanwhile, Bangkok authorities have announced free public transportation for one week in an effort to reduce traffic flow.

Bangkok officials explained that the seasonal air pollution regularly affects this Southeast Asian nation, with stagnant atmospheric conditions over Thailand, combined with pollutants from farmers burning rice straw and vehicle emissions, creating severe air pollution. According to data from IQAir, PM2.5 levels in Bangkok last Friday reached 108 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit, making Bangkok one of the most polluted major cities in the world.

On Thursday last week, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul issued an order to ban rice straw burning and threatened legal action against those involved. Traditionally, farmers burn rice straw to eliminate field pathogens and improve soil fertility, but the resulting smoke causes significant environmental damage.

In parallel, to reduce vehicle pollution, Thailand's Minister of Transport announced free public transportation in Bangkok for up to one week, including light rail, subway, and bus systems, hoping the policy will help decrease pollution. Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last Thursday, called for more stringent measures to address the pollution issue, including limiting construction in the capital and seeking cooperation with neighboring countries.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that in 2024, 242 million children’s education will be impacted by climate-related disruptions. At the same time, climate change is expected to exacerbate air pollution, which is considered a "secondary impact of climate-related harm."

US President Donald Trump's second term has barely begun, yet he has launched the largest-scale deportation operation in history. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on social media on the 23rd, stating that 538 illegal immigrants had been arrested, with hundreds more deported.

To fulfill his campaign promises, in addition to the original 2,200 US military personnel and thousands of National Guard troops stationed at the border, another 1,500 troops have been deployed to the US-Mexico border. They are responsible for constructing the border wall and supporting other border-related tasks. The Department of Homeland Security also announced that law enforcement officers carrying out deportations would be allowed to enter churches, schools, and hospitals to arrest illegal immigrants. Furthermore, a policy of "guilt by association" will be applied, leading to widespread fear among immigrant communities.

Mexican authorities have stated they are prepared for the possibility of large-scale deportations. They are currently working quickly to set up reception centers in nine cities in northern Mexico and are constructing temporary shelters capable of housing thousands of people. These shelters will provide food, medical services, temporary housing, and assistance in applying for identification documents. Additionally, convoys will be organized to transport deported Mexicans back to their hometowns.

According to research from a Mexican think tank, approximately 5 million Mexicans are living illegally in the US, including 800,000 refugees fleeing poverty and violence. Although the Mexican government has promised to accept deported citizens, immigrant advocacy groups have expressed concern that the US's large-scale deportation and immigration prevention measures will exacerbate saturation in Mexican border cities and create resource shortages, potentially triggering a humanitarian crisis.

Reports indicate that the southern United States has been struck by a rare winter storm as an Arctic cold front moves southward. Snowfall has been recorded from Texas to Florida, with over 5,000 flights canceled or delayed. There have also been reports of fatalities due to the extreme cold. Schools and government offices have been closed. For the first time in history, the National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for the Gulf Coast region.

The report notes that the Arctic cold front began moving southward on the 21st, reaching the northern Gulf Coast of the U.S., including Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida, where heavy snow and freezing rain were reported. In New Orleans, snowfall reached 23 cm, breaking a local record that had stood since 1963.

Meteorologists have warned that the cold weather is expected to persist through the weekend. The blizzard has already caused several deaths, led to the cancellation of classes for millions of students, and disrupted highways and airports. Major facilities at airports have been shut down, and thousands of flights have been canceled. Multiple states across the U.S. have declared states of emergency.

Colombia's special forces entered guerrilla-controlled areas near the Venezuelan border on January 21, attempting to regain national control. The violent conflict has resulted in at least 100 deaths, forced 20,000 people to flee their homes, and threatens the country’s fragile peace process.

The fighting occurred in remote regions of the Amazon jungle in the south and the northeastern mountain areas bordering Venezuela. It was triggered by territorial disputes between rival militia groups, who believe the fragile peace process hinders their ability to unite and poses a threat to the lucrative cocaine trade.

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia declared a state of emergency in some areas, granting local authorities the power to impose restrictions on movement and take other relevant measures. Authorities have deployed about 5,000 soldiers to the border regions in an effort to control what has become the most severe violent conflict in the country in years.

President Petro, who has staked his political future on easing tensions and dialogue, stated that this crisis will lead to policy changes.